BX 

5937 



BISHOP DO AXE'S 

SECOND 

CONVENTIONAL ADDRESS. 

MDCCCXXXIV. 



EPISCOPAL ADDRESS 

DELIVERED 
AT 

THE CONVENTION 

OF 

THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 

IN THE STATE OF NEW- JERSEY; 
MAY 28, 1834, 

/ 

BY J 

i 

/ 

THE RT. REV. GEORGE W. DOANE, D. D., 

BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE. 



CAMDEN : 
JOSIAH HARBISON. 

MDCCCXXXIV, 




Trinity Church, Newark. 

In Convention, May 28th and 29th, 1834. 

On motion, by Archer Gifford, Esq., the following preamble and 
resolution were adopted: 

Whereas the number of Journals hitherto published, is insufficient 
for the increased demands of the Church, in this diocese, therefore, 

Resolved, That one thousand copies of the Journal of this Convention, 
(being double the former number,) be printed for the usual distribution. 

On motion, by John Joseph Chetwood, Esq., it was 

Resolved, That Jive hundred copies of the Address of the Bishop, 
this day delivered, in addition to those attached to the Journal of the 
Convention, be printed, and, as soon as practicable, circulated among the 
congregations of the diocese. 



ADDRESS. 



My Brethren of the Clergy, 
And or the Laity, 

It is through the good providence 
of God, that we are again assembled for consultation, as to 
the best execution of that sacred stewardship in his Church, 
which he has entrusted to our hands; and the sentiments 
which especially become us, are devout gratitude for his 
merciful preservation of us, and entire devotion of ourselves, 
our souls, and bodies, to the furtherance of his service and 
glory. Our responsibility so great, our purposes and efforts 
at the best, so poor and feeble, our time so fearfully uncer- 
tain, and, at the longest, so very short, — how fervent should 
our supplications be, that He who has called us to his service, 
would graciously accept the best we have to bring; and, 
sanctifying us wholly, make us an acceptable people in His 
sight, and our labours and our offerings, promotive, through 
the heavenly blessing, of the kingdom and honour of His 
dear Son ! Of those who, at the last assembling of ourselves 
together, united their prayers with ours for these desirable 
results, all* are not present now. The venerable Dr. 
Wharton, the senior Presbyter, not only of our own diocese, 

* I shall be pardoned in commemorating here, those valuable services 
in his life, and that clear, cogent, and comfortable testimony to the truth 
and power of the Gospel, in his death, which make the name of the 
late Dr. Montgomery, a name to be cherished and held in honour by 
the whole Church, at whose altars he so faithfully served. Though for 
several of his latest years, an honoured and influential Clergyman of an 
adjoining diocese, his first ministry was in the diocese of New Jersey, 
and his heart was much with us. He was present at our last Convention, 
and entered with the liveliest sympathy into all our interests and hopes. 
Having richly enjoyed his confidence and friendship for many years, and 
been with him in the trying, but, through grace, triumphant hour of his 
death, I desire to put on record, my approbation of his principles, my 
admiration of his spirit, and my most grateful recollection of his endearing 
private virtues, and of his eminent usefulness to the Church. 



4 



but of the whole American Church, whose name lias honour- 
ed place in all our journals from the first year of the present 
century, and whose latest public service was his engagement 
with so much zeal and earnestness, in the affairs of our last 
Convention, fell asleep in Jesus, on the morning of the 
twenty-third day of July last, and now rests in hope by the 
side of that peaceful sanctuary in which, for more than 
thirty-five years, he had ministered before God. — Of his 
eminent abilities, ripe scholarship, and rare virtues, — his 
high standing in the Church, his long and useful services, and 
the beautiful illustration which the life which he lived, through 
grace, afforded of the doctrines and precepts which lie pro- 
claimed, — occasion has been taken, at other times, and in 
another way, to speak. With you who knew him, loved him, 
and honoured him, there needs no prompter of his praise. 
The faithful servant of the Church through a long life, and, 
by the disposition of his property, her liberal benefactor,* 
the record here made, is due to them who shall come after; 
that, encouraged by his example, they may emulate his ex- 
cellence, and enjoy its rewards. 

Since the last Convention, my residence at Burlington, 
which was then temporary, and without parochial charge, 
has assumed a different character. Being, of course, from 
my distant residence, unacquainted with the local peculiari- 
ties of the diocese, I determined at my consecration, not to 
decide on the place of my abode among you, until I had 
become satisfied by personal investigation, and the careful 
comparison of individual opinions, as to what seemed the 
position most favourable to the discharge of my official 
duties, and the advancement of the interests of the Church. 
I did not doubt, moreover, that in the lapse of time, the 
course of Providence would be developed with sufficient 
clearness. Soon after I had gone into temporary residence 
at Burlington, (to which I was chiefly induced by local and 



*Pr, Wharton had entered on his 86th year, and had been more than 
61 years a minister of Christ. By his will, he left one thousand dollars 
to the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society; and made St. Mary's 
Church, Burlington, his residuary legatee. 



personal considerations,) I received from the Rector, War* 
dens, and Vestry of Trinity Church, Newark, an invitation 
of the most gratifying character, to establish myself in that 
place; accompanied with an offer from the Congregation, of 
so generous a nature as to leave no doubt on my mind, that 
the desire for my removal there was not only universal, but 
most sincere and hearty. To an expression from such a 
source, so earnest in its terms, and so liberally enforced, I 
felt it my duty to respond in the affirmative, the more espe- 
cially as I should thus be left free from parochial responsi- 
bility; when the death of the Rev. Dr. Whaetojt, and 
the peculiar circumstances of the parish of St. Mary's, 
Burlington, presented a conflicting duty. After mature 
deliberation, with inquiry of those whose judgments in the 
matter were best instructed, it seemed incumbent on me to 
assume the charge of the interesting parish thus vacated; 
which I did, — first for six months, and, afterwards as its 
Rector. In thus yielding to a strong sense of ecclesiastical 
duty, I am happy in knowing that my munificent friends at 
Newark, though disappointed, have not been displeased. 
The same liberal spirit which devised such liberal things to 
induce my residence among them, enabled and disposed them 
cheerfully to yield their own preference, to what seemed to 
be essential to the welfare of a sister parish. May brotherly 
love so continue, and ever increase amongst us ! — It is due to 
my office, to my own judgment, and to the best interests of 
the Church, to say, that it is not well that the Bishop of 
any diocese should be responsible for the entire pastoral 
charge of a congregation. When this is the case, either 
the parochial or the diocesan interest must suffer. Cases 
may occur, where the Rectorship of a parish seems proper, 
or indeed necessary, as 3 the means of support, to be united 
to the Episcopate; but provision should then be made, not 
merely to relieve the Bishop from such portion of the duty 
of preaching, as may enable him to accomplish his visita- 
tions, but for the discharge, under his direction, of those 
daily pastoral offices, without the faithful, constant perform- 
ance of which, Christ's sheep can never be duly fed. An 
economical and judicious arrangement for this purpose has 



6 



always seemed to me, the appointment of a clergyman, to 
reside in the Bishop's parish, to supply the pulpit in his 
absence, to take the immediate charge of the Sunday School, 
and other interests of the parish, and to perform occasional 
Missionary duty. The provision for the support of such a 
Clergyman, as Missionary assistant to the Bishop, might 
properly be chargeable on the Missionary fund of the diocese. 
I commend the subject to the consideration of the Conven- 
tion. The extensive plan of visitation which I propose, 
cannot well be carried into effect unless there be some such 
provision. 

I proceed to lay before you, the proper statement of my 
official labours, during the year just closed. 

The four Sundays immediately following the Convention, 
were spent at Burlington and at Mount Holly. On two of 
them, I officiated in St. Andrew's Church, in the absence of 
the Rector; and on the other two, in St. Mary's Church, the 
Rector being incapacitated by sickness. 

The last week in June was spent in New -York, in the dis- 
charge of the duties which devolved on me as one of the 
Directors of the General Sunday School Union, and as one of 
the Trustees of the General Theological Seminary. I spend 
no time more satisfactorily than that which is occupied in 
my official relations to the general institutions of our 
Church. Independently of their great importance, as 
charged respectively with the promotion of the religious 
instruction of our children, the preparation of candidates 
for the ministry, and the extension of the kingdom of the 
Redeemer by Missions, whether in our ow n country, or in 
foreign lands, they have an incalculable value as bonds of 
union to the several dioceses, — drawing together the mem- 
bers of the Church throughout the Federal Union, and pro- 
moting, under the best auspices, by the best influences, and 
with the best results, " the unity of the spirit in the bond of 
peace." — It is matter of high congratulation to the Church, 
that the General Theological Seminary is beginning to 
accomplish the great purposes for which it was instituted. 
In the increasing number of the candidates for orders, who 
resort to it, in the advantages of instruction afforded them 



7 



there, and, above all, in the excellent spirit which pervades 
the institution, — a spirit of pure and primitive devotion, and 
we rejoice to know, a Missionary spirit, — .there is the best 
of all possible auguries, under the blessing of God, of pros- 
perity to the Church. In whatever w ay, — as a body, in our 
official stations, as individuals, — it is our duty, and will be 
found our wisdom, to support this institution. To it, under 
God, we are to look for the extension and establishment of 
Christ's kingdom among us. An efficient Christian Min- 
istry, must be a well instructed Christian Ministry. This 
is obvious from the nature of the case. It is confirmed by 
all experience. The time has passed, when the necessities 
of the Church ought to be allowed as an excuse for defi- 
cient preparation for the Clerical office. Nothing, indeed, 
should recommend him for the work of the Ministry, who 
is not moved to undertake it by the love of Christ and of 
souls. But nothing ought to satisfy him who is so moved, 
short of the best possible fitness for the work. The time 
was, when the means for acquiring it, did not exist among 
us. Now they do. It is incumbent on us, my brethren, 
Clerical and Lay, to do all that we can in making them com- 
mensurate with the wants of the Church, — with the w r ants, I 
ought rather to say, of a perishing world. To lend our aid in 
the support of the General Theological Seminary, and to ena- 
ble and induce our candidates for orders, so far as possible, to 
repair to it, and to remain there during the whole term, — a 
point in which, I regret to say, too many fail, — are imme- 
diate and obvious modes of promoting this result. A means, 
though less direct, yet still more efficient, will be indicated 
and enforced in another part of the Address. 

Setting out from New York, on the day after the public 
commencement of the Seminary, I entered on a visitation of 
several of the Churches. My first engagement was at 
Shrewsbury, which I reached on Saturday evening. On the 
morning of Sunday, June 30, after baptizing two infants, 
(one of them the child of the Rector,) I preached and con- 
firmed sixteen persons. In the afternoon, I was carried by 
Mr. Finch to Middletown, and preached in Christ Church. 
Returning thence, we stopped at Red Bank, where I preach* 



8 



ed in the School House. In the evening, I preached, the 
fourth time that day, ill Christ Church, Shrewsbury. The 
Churches under the pastoral care of Mr. Finch, are evidently 
prosperous. The people are well instructed, and through 
the power of the Spirit, derive both pleasure and profit from 
the instruction. Generally it will be so. Where Ministers 
continue faithfully to plant and to water, God will give the 
increase for which they pray. Where they complain that 
there is no profit from their ministry, it is generally their 
own fault. No doubt there are different kinds of soil, and 
some that are very hard to cultivate. But do we not often 
see the inhabitants of a sterile country, thriving and prospe- 
rous, while the possessors of the most fertile land are poor 
and miserable? The difference is to be attributed chiefly 
to the diligence and perseverance of the husbandman. Let 
the Christian Minister consider the analogy. Remembering 
that he is answerable for the tillage, not for the harvest, let 
him lay to his hand. te In the morning sow thy seed, and 
in the evening withhold not thy hand: for thou knowest not 
whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they 
both shall be alike good." At Shrewsbury there is a good 
congregation. At Middletown, the attendance is small; 
there are indeed but few to attend. At Red Bank, a 
flourishing little village, where the steamboats from New 
York land passengers, I had many to hear me. Mr. Finch 
was much encouraged, and especially by a zealous lady, in 
the attempt to erect a building there for a Sunday School, 
where the service should also be performed. It is a good 
plan. In small hamlets, where a Church cannot be erected, 
such buildings are a good substitute. An active Clergyman 
will find time to visit the little flocks, that may be gathered 
there, without injury to that which is his peculiar care. 

From Shrewsbury, Mr. Finch carried me on Monday 
morning to Freehold ; to which place, the Rev. Mr. Ward 
had come to meet me. Here I preached in St. Peter's 
Church, and confirmed Jive persons. Since my former visit, 
the opinion, which I expressed in my last address, that the 
services of a Clergyman ought to be, and might be, secured 
here, has been acted on. The Rev. Samuel Edwin Arnold, 



9 



late of the diocese of New York, having been elected principal 
of the Academy, has taken the pastoral charge of St. Peter's 
Church. His services as an instructor I am informed, give 
great satisfaction. His desires for the spiritual improve- 
ment of the people, I know, are ardent, and he has exerted 
himself with much success. Long established habits of negli- 
gence of the support of Christian ordinances, are hard to be 
overcome. I regret to say, that thus far I have received no 
answer from the Wardens, to an overture which I made to 
them some months since, to contribute fifty dollars to Mr. 
Arnold's support, from the u Offerings of the Church," on 
condition that they would raise one hundred and fifty. I 
cannot believe that they will not accede to it before the end of 
the year. If they do, they will secure the services of a de- 
voted Pastor. If they do not, it can be no matter of surprise 
if Mr. Arnold, discouraged by their apparent want of inte- 
rest, should seek another field of duty. It is my earnest 
wish that he may remain.* 

From Freehold, I was carried by Mr. Ward to Spots- 
wood, where I preached in the evening ; and again on Tues- 
day morning, when I confirmed nine persons. Mr. Ward's 
labours here are assiduous, and productive of encouraging 
results. The congregation, however, is small ; and he has 
thus far, been obliged to occupy himself partially in the 
instruction of a School. This is to be regretted, as Mr. 
Ward's peculiar qualifications for pastoral intercourse are 
thus, in some degree, lost to the Church. His spirit, how- 
ever, is not thus repressed. He had scarely ceased to go as 
Missionary to Freehold, when he commenced the perform- 
ance of services at South Amboy. Here, chiefly by the 
enlightened Christian liberality of a single family, a School 
House has been erected, which is also to be used as a place 
of worship. In the afternoon, I had the satisfaction of per- 
forming the first service in it, and preaching. It was an 
expressive testimony which the Jews bore to the centurion's 



* From information received at the Convention, I am encouraged to 

believe, that the people at Freehold will make such efforts as will retain 

Mr. Arnold. - 
o 



10 



love for their nation, that he had built them a Synagogue. 
It would be well if in other places, as in South Amboy, the 
precedent were followed. Men of wealth and influence 
should remember their accountability. They that honour 
God, will be honoured by him. The blessings which may 
result to a community, from establishing in it the means of 
grace, are incalculable. The blackness of darkness which 
must exist without it, is fearful to think of. 

On Thursday, July 4, I laid the corner stone of Trinity 
Church, in the borough of Princeton, several of the Clergy 
of the diocese being present and assisting, and with them, 
my much esteemed friend, the Rev. Mr. Bayard, Rector of 
St. Clement's Church, New York. The day was most aus- 
picious, a large and respectable company of persons paid the 
strictest attention to the devotional services, and to the ad- 
dress. Nor should the courtesy of the military company 
on parade that day. be unnoticed, whose part in the procession, 
with the appropriate music of their excellent band, added not 
a little to the interest of the occasion. I am most happy in 
being able to say, that the progress of this noble enterprize 
has thus far been " according to this beginning." The 
Church, a beautiful stone edifice, is in rapid progress to- 
wards completion; and will be prepared for consecration, 
if God permit, in little more than a year from the laying of 
the corner stone. The good will of the whole community 
towards the undertaking, continues still to be manifested in 
unequivocal expressions, and the prospect is as full of en- 
couragement, as our hearts could desire. That the Church 
in this instance, also, is largely indebted to individual energy 
and beneficence, takes nothing from our obligations of ac- 
knowledgment to God, ' •' of whose only gift it cometh that 
his faithful people do unto him true and laudable service." 
The consecration of Trinity Church, of which, due notice 
will be given, will, I trust, be regarded by the friends of the 
Church, and especially by the Clergy, an occasion of no 
common interest. The establishment there of an able and 
faithful Clergyman of our Church will, I am sure, be found 
of the most beneficial influence, not only to the people of 
his charge, but to the venerable literary institution which 



li 



now flourishes there, and to the best interests of learning 
and of religion. 

On Sunday, July 7, at the especial instance of my long 
loved friend and brother, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Brownell, I was 
present in Christ Church, Hartford, at the ordination of five 
Deacons, and preached the Sermon. I was the more willing 
to perform this service, as the young gentlemen then to be 
ordained, (one of whom, the Rev. Mr. Starr, is now a Cler- 
gyman of this diocese,) had been my pupils, during my 
connection as Professor, with Washington College; and be- 
cause I wished to declare thus publicly, my interest in thai 
important institution. It is greatly to be wished that Epis- 
copalians were duly sensible of the duty and wisdom of 
sustaining their own Seminaries of learning. There is no 
denomination of Christians on whom the obligation to do so 
is so strongly incumbent, none who possess the means of doing 
it so effectually, and not one that is so negligent. It ought 
not so to be. I am happy in being able to record my opinion 
that Washington College is worthy of their most liberal 
patronage. 

On Wednesday, July 10, I preached in the afternoon, in 
St. Peter's Church, Perth Amboy, and confirmed nine per- 
sons. In the evening, I preached a second time. 

On Thursday evening, July 11, I preached in Trinity 
Church, Newark. 

On Sunday morning, July 14, in Christ Church, Newton, 
after baptizing the Rector's infant child, I preached, and 
confirmed twen ty fixe persons ; and, in the afternoon, preach- 
ed again. The favourable impressions of my first visit 
here, were abundantly confirmed. The Rector is even now 
beginning to realize the promise made to him who is ^faith- 
ful over a few things." There has not often been a beginning 
with less promise. There are seldom seen better evidences 
than now exist, of temporal and spiritual health. These 
things will, I doubt not, increase still more and abound, 
when Mr. Dunn, as he expressed to me his intention soon 
to do, shall have retired in part from the charge of the 
School, which for many years was indispensable to his 
support. 



12 



On Monday, July 15, Mr. Dunn carried, me to Johnsons-* 
burgh; where, in the afternoon, I preached in Christ Church. 
Here we met the Rev. Mr. Jaques. Under his auspices, 
with the Divine blessing, there is good reason to hope, that 
the regular services of the Church may ere long be restored 
to this forsaken sanctuary. There are a few in the vicinity, 
who desire it. It is no small part of Christian duty to 
"strengthen the things which remain, which are ready 
to die.*' It is an error too common, to give them up as 
"dead already." 

In the evening, at the house of Mrs. Curlis, a venerable 
member of the Church, confined to her bed by sickness, the 
neighbours were collected, to whom I preached ; and seve- 
ral of whom participated with her in the communion of the 
sick. 

On Tuesday, July 16, I was accompanied by Mr. Dunn 
and Mr. Jaques to Hope, where, in the house of E. H. 
Swayze, Esq., I preached and confirmed Jive persons; and, 
in the afternoon, preached again. The little flock at this 
place, have not yet been enabled to complete the erection of 
St. Luke's Church. Peculiar difficulties have embarrassed 
their progress. They have received aid, however, and 
encouragement from various sources, within and without 
the diocese; and will ere long, I trust, reap the reward of 
their faith and patience. Their zeal in the service of God 
will not, I am sure, be left without the blessing, in due time, 
"if they faint not." 

On Wednesday, July, 17, we continued our journey to 
Knowlton ; where I preached, in the morning, in St. James* 
Church, confirmed three persons, and administered the holy 
communion. There is a people here who take much interest 
in the word and ordinances. They propose very soon erect- 
ing a new church in the place of the old edifice, which needs 
repair. Without designing any thing like discouragement, 
my advice, in all such cases is, to count the cost. Debt is 
disastrous enough to individuals, but destructive to Churches. 
Where there is ability, let it be exerted in the erecting and 
beautifying of temples to the honour of its divine and glorious 
Oiver. Where a debt must be incurred, or the support of 



13 



the minister straitened, let a plain edifice be erected, if 
there be none. If there be an old one, continue still to use 
it a little longer. They who are drawn by the beauty of 
the edifice are scarcely worth drawing. It is the Saviour 
lifted up, that is to draw men effectually ; and this may be 
done in the simplest Church, as well as in the most costly. 
Able and faithful ministers are God's chief instruments in 
saving souls. Let them be prepared for the work, and 
sustained in it; and, with God's blessing, they will find 
Churches, or make them. The Rev. Mr. Jaques continues 
his very useful labours in this region ; dividing his time 
between Hope and Knowlton, with a monthly visit to John- 
sonsburgh. 

On Thursday, July 18, we arrived at Belvidere, where 
I preached, in the morning in the Court-house, and confirmed 
two persons; preaching again in the afternoon. On Fri- 
day, July 19, accompanied still by the Rev. Messrs. Dunn 
and Jaques, and also by the Rev. Mr. Beasley, of the 
diocese of Pennsylvania, and the Rev. Mr. Freeman, of the 
diocese of New-York, who had met us at Belvidere, I 
visited Harmony; where I preached in the Lutheran Meet- 
ing-house. Mr. Freeman, having brought letters dimissory 
from the Bishop of the diocese of New- York, has been 
officiating, since August 11, as Missionary in this region ; 
performing services chiefly at Belvidere, and occasionally 
visiting Dover, New-Hampton, and Harmony. The ex- 
pectations entertained in regard to the last named place, 
have not been fully realized. At Dover, there is more encour- 
agement. At Belvidere, measures were in progress for the 
erection of a Church, when adverse circumstances occurred 
to delay the enterprise. A parish has been duly organized 
by the name of Zion Church. A generous individual will 
present the ground for the building in a most desirable part 
of the town, whenever the determination to build shall be 
carried into effect. And every thing seems to be nearly in 
readiness for the accomplishment, in that beautiful village, 
of our best wishes for the Church. 

On Saturday, Mr. Jaques carried me to Alexandria, 
where, on Sunday, I preached, in the morning, in the old 



14 



Church of St. Thomas, and in the afternoon lectured to a 
few persons, in a vacant room, in Quakertown. St. Thomas' 
Church, from the inconvenience of its situation, has suffered 
much disadvantage. The Rev. Mr. Douglas, who met me 
here, comes, once in six weeks, forty miles, from his residence 
in Piscataway to visit it. Of course, its condition, faithful 
and self denying as his services are, cannot he prosperous. 
At Clinton, a flourishing village, about six miles distant, 
and at Sydney, about the same distance, a much larger con- 
gregation might be gathered. A small Church might, I 
think, be erected at one or both these places, at which, reg- 
ular services should be performed, alternately with those at 
St. Thomas'. The great want in the case is a resident Cler- 
gyman. In traversing this beautiful and fertile region, 
presenting some of the most delightful prospects that I have 
ever seen, several points presented themselves to my atten- 
tion, to which Missionaries might most profitably be ap- 
pointed. I am not without hopes, that before another 
Convention, the beginning of improvement may be made. 
Should the plan recommended for increasing the Missionary 
revenues of the Church, be suitably taken up by the Churches, 
the result desired may soon be realized. "The harvest 
truly is great, but the labourers are few. Pray ye therefore 
the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers 
into his harvest! 5 ' 

On Saturday, July 27, having been long enough at home 
to attend the last moments of my venerated friend, the Rev. 
Dr. Wharton, and perform the last offices at his interment, 
I visited St. Stephen's Church, Mullica Hill, where I preach- 
ed both in the morning and afternoon. 

On Sunday, July 28, I preached in the morning in Trinity 
Church, Swedesborough, and confirmed eleven persons,—- 
in the afternoon, in St, Peter's Church, Berkley, where I 
confirmed /o?«* persons, — and, in the evening, preached again, 
in Trinity Church, Swedesborough. 

On Tuesday, July 30, I visited Princeton, and preached, 
the second time, by the kind permission of the proper au- 
thorities, in the Presbyterian Church. 



15 



On Sunday, September 8, 1 preached twice in St. Andrew's 
Church, Mount Holly, and confirmed seven persons. I was 
carried to Mount Holly by Mr. Bennett, from whom I have 
formerly received similar attention. 

On Sunday, September 22, I preached twice in St. Mi- 
chael's Church, Trenton, and confirmed eight persons. The 
debt which has so long depressed this parish, is now, by 
the zealous exertions of the Rector, nearly paid off, and will 
soon be extinguished. 

On Tuesday, October 1, I attended, at New-Brunswick, 
the annual meeting of the Episcopal Society for the promo- 
tion of Christian knowledge and piety. It was my first 
attendance ; and I was much pleased with the plan of the 
Society, which, in a quiet way, has done much good. Its 
annual income, of about Si 50, was appropriated to various 
useful purposes. Among the most useful, was a donation 
towards carrying into effect a resolution to furnish the stu- 
dent on the Bishop Croes scholarship in the General 
Theological Seminary, with a library of text books, and 
books of reference. In the evening, I preached in Christ 
Church. 

On Thursday, October 3, I was present at the opening 
of the annual Convention of the diocese of New-York ; and 
on the following Sunday, at the request of my right reve- 
rend brother and friend, the Bishop of that diocese, I 
preached a sermon in St. John's Chapel, in the City of New- 
York, on occasion of the ordination of a Presbyter. 

In the afternoon of that day, and again on the morning 
of Sunday, November 10, 1 preached in the Chapel occupied 
by the congregation of St. Matthew's Church, Jersey City, 
It gives me very great pleasure to state, that my excellent 
brother, the Rector of St. Matthews, has lately had his 
heart encouraged and his hands strengthened, by a liberal 
donation towards the completion of the edifice, for the erec- 
tion of which he has so zealously exerted himself, from that 
munificent mother and patroness of the Churches, Trinity 
Church, in theCity of New-York. I have had intimate op- 
portunities, of witnessing the great amount of benevolence 



16 



exercised by that venerable Corporation, and can bear strong 
testimony to the soundness of judgment and impartiality 
with which, under all the circumstances, her office of almoner 
to the Lord, is discharged. 

On Saturday evening, December 7, 1 preached at Moores- 
to\vn,in the Methodist Meeting-house ; and on the following 
day, in the morning, in St. Mary's Church, Colestown. and, 
in the afternoon, in the room occupied temporarily by the 
congregation of St. Paul's Church, Camden. 

On Sunday, December 15, I preached three times in St. 
John's Church, Elizabethtown, being then vacant. 

On the evening of Monday, December 23, I fulfilled my 
first appointment at Bordentown, preaching, by permission, 
in the Baptist Meeting-house. Finding the people there 
well disposed towards the Church, and desirous of farther 
acquaintance with her services, I continued to preach there 
through the winter, on alternate Monday evenings, and had 
ithe pleasure to observe a continual increase in the favoura- 
ble dispositions which were manifested at first. On the 23d 
day of April, service was performed there twice at my re- 
quest, by the Rev. Mr. Holmes, Rector of St. Mark's 
Church, Orange, it being the first trial of our strength on 
Sunday. By the kindness of the Methodist Congregation, 
the use of their pulpit was offered, and Mr. Holmes' very 
acceptable ministrations were well attended. There has 
been service performed there regularly, on alternate Sun- 
days, by the Rev. Dr. Williams, the Rev. Mr, Hooker, and 
myself, until the present time, and with increasing interest and 
favour. It would not however, be practicable at present, 
to obtain the entire support of a Clergyman, from that place. 
What I have recommended to the friends of the Church 
there, is the establishment of a boarding and day School, 
under the direction of an Episcopal Clergyman, who for the 
present, should also supply them with Clerical services. I 
have conferred with them several times on this subject; and 
a few gentlemen have with great spirit authorized me to offer 
to a suitable person who will undertake the enterprize a 
guaranty of support so liberal as to render his success be- 
yond a question. There is certainly no place in the whole 



17 



country, better fitted for the establishment and support of 
schools and seminaries of learning than Bordentown. 
Most beautiful for situation, proverbial for health, at the 
head of steamboat navigation on the Delaware, and acces- 
sible twice in every day, from New York and from Phila- 
delphia, the ground has but to be broken to ensure the most 
abundant harvest. There is in the community there, both 
the will and the means to give energy to the undertaking on 
which their hearts are set, and the establishment of the 
Church among them will thus, with God's blessing, be 
secured. 

I deem it proper, in this connection, to record my experi- 
ence, and to express my wishes, on a subject which I regard as 
of great moment to the unity of the Church. It is sometimes 
thought necessary, in introducing her service into a new place, 
to accommodate it to the inexperience, and perhaps the pre- 
judices of the people, by omissions or alterations. There 
is of course, no authority to do this, and there is as little 
necessity. At Bordentown, at Moorcstown, and at Prince- 
ton, I have, within the last year, used, for the first time, the 
entire service of the Church, without the slightest variation 
from the rubric in any of the cases, and with a fulness in 
the responsive portions in all of them, not always found in 
established congregations. It will seldom happen in any 
place where the service is to be introduced, that there are 
not two or three persons familiar with its order. Even 
where there are not, two or three persons are easily instructed 
in it. Their responses guide the rest. The service is in- 
troduced in all its symmetry and completeness. The novices 
learn their whole lesson from the first. After a few trials 
there is nothing left for them, but to apply more and more 
to the heart, that "beauty of holiness," which from the first 
they could not but admire, and winch, as it is more under- 
stood, will ever be more prized and loved. The complaints 
of difficulty on this subject arc, I believe, not founded in fact. 
They claim that it cannot be done, who have never made the 
trial. It is the clear conviction of my experience that the 
regular way is the most easy and the most satisfactory. It is, 
3 



18 



at all events, the only way which the Canons authorize and 
the order of the Church allows.* 

On the evening of Tuesday, December 31, I preached for 
the congregation of St. Paul's Church, Camden. 

On Thursday, January 14, 1834, in Christ Church, Phil- 
adelphia, I preached the Consecration Sermon, and assisted 
in the consecration of the Rev. James H. Otey, D. D., Bishop 
elect of the diocese of Tennessee. The Church in these United 
States, has reason to bless God for this instance of his care 
and kindness for her; and, with the continuance of His 
blessing, to expect rich results from the labours of the ex- 
cellent person who has been thus raised to her chief ministry. 
She has still farther motives of gratitude to her Divine Head, 
in still preserving to her, his eye not dim, nor his natural 
force abated, that venerable person who watched over her 
infant weakness, and who, on that occasion, laid his hands, 
for the twenty -fifth time, on the head of a successor of the 
Apostles. 



* I take occasion here, to give the proper canonical sanction to a service 
which is used generally in this diocese, as a third, or, more properly, a 
second evening- service. In doing so, I adopt the language, as I most 
cordially entertain the views, of the Bishop of New York. "It is a 
pious and beautiful characteristic of our Church, that she provides for 
public worship twice on eveiy day, and lays her Clergy under a solemn 
obligation to conform, in their public ministrations, to her appointed ser- 
vices. Whenever, therefore, one of the Clergy meets a congregation for 
worship, the order for Daily Morning or Evening Prayer, as the casemay 
be, is binding upon him. In some cases, however, circumstances call for 
a second evening service. These being extraordinary occasions or occa- 
sions different from the ordinary provisions of the Liturgy, require to be 
met in the way in which the Church provides for such occasions; that is, 
by the special appointment of the Bishop of the Diocese. It consists in 
the appointment, not of a night service, for the Daily Evening Prayer is 
binding in all congregations assembling for worship at any hour after me- 
ridian, in which it has not been previously performed on the same day; 
but of a second Evening Prayer, to be used in congregations in which the 
order for Daily Evening Prayer has been used on the same day. This 
distinction is here thus particularly noticed, in order to guard against two 
not uncommon mistakes. — First, that the service here contemplated, may 
be performed after candle light, even where the regular Evening Prayer 
has not been used ; — and secondly, that it may he performed by a Cler- 



19 



On Sunday evening, February 16, 1 preached for the con- 
gregation of St. Paul's Church, Camden. 

On Wednesday, March 19, 1 preached in Swedesborough ; 
that being the day appointed for the meeting of a Council 
called by me, in accordance with the provisions of the 34tk 
Canon of the General Convention, on account of a contro- 
versy alleged to exist between the Vestry of Trinity Church, 
and the Rev. Norman Nash, the Rector elect. The 
opinion of the Council, after a full and patient investigation 
of the subject, was unanimous, that the controversy had 
"proceeded such lengths as to preclude all hope of its fa- 
vourable termination, and that a dissolution of the connexion 
which existed between them, was indispensably necessary to 
restore the peace, and promote the prosperity of the C hurch." 
They therefore, unanimously recommended, that the connex- 
ion be dissolved, from and after the 20th day of June next; 
being three months from the date of their opinion. With 
this recommendation, the Rev. Mr. Nash, in presence of the 
Council, declared his compliance. 



gyman, in a third service, held by him in a congregation which has not 
had the regular Evening Prayer on that day. In neither of these cases, 
is there any dispensation from the prescribed daily service. 

The second Evening Prayer appointed to be used in any congregation 
of this Diocese, in which the order for Daily Evening Prayer has been 
previously used on the same day, is as follows : — 

The order for Daily Evening Prayer is followed to the end of the Psalms 
for the day, or selection of Psalms, and Doxology; and then the following 
order: — 

A Lesson from the Old or New Testament, at the discretion of the 
Minister; 

Either of the four Psalms appointed to follow the lessons of the Evening 
Prayer; 

The Creed, and the following Ver sides and Responses ; 

The Collect for the Day; 

The Collect for aid against Perils; 

The Prayer for the whole state of Chris fs Church Militant, in the 
Communion Service; 

Any of the occasional Prayers or Thanksgivings, as occasion may 
require. 

One of the Discretionary Prayers at the end of the Co?nmunion 
Service; 
2 Corinthians, xiii, 14." 



On Sunday, April 6, I preached at Bordentown, in the 
Methodist Meeting House. 

On Saturday evening, April 19, I preached, and on the 
following day, administered the Holy Communion, and 
preached twice, in St. John's Church, Elizahethtown. Sub- 
sequently to my last visit to this ancient and interesting 
parish, the Rev. Richard C banning Moore, deacon, had 
accepted an invitation to the pastoral charge; and I was 
much pleased to find the congregation perfectly united in him, 
and every prospect, with God's blessing, of great happiness 
and usefulness. 

In the evening, I went to Newark, and preached to a very 
large congregation in Trinity Church. My several visits 
to this parish, confirm my expectations of its increase and 
prosperity. Among the most gratifying evidences, and at 
the same time most promising means of this result, I regard 
the establishment, under judicious regulations, of a valuable 
parish library. 

On Tuesday, April 22, I laid the corner stone of St. 
Paul's Church, Camden: a large number of the Clergy and 
Laity of the neighbourhood, and of the City of Philadel- 
phia attending; and the venerable Bishop White favouring 
me with his presence and assistance. The Rev. Samuel Starr, 
deacon, commenced his labours in the parishes of Camden 
and Colestown, by my appointment as Missionary, in Sep- 
tember last. At Camden, there had never been a Cler- 
gyman settled, they had both been for months destitute of 
clerical ministrations, and had never, though St. Mary's 
is a very old parish, been supplied with weekly services. 
To the work of the Lord, in these places, Mr. Starr has 
devoted himself with great ability, assiduity and fidelity ; 
and the result is manifested in the collection, at Colestown, 
of a large and zealous congregation; who have lately shown 
that their zeal is not irrespective of knowledge, by the es- 
tablishment of a parish library. While at Camden, a large 
Church edifice of stone is in course of erection. It is very 
seldom that such consequences are seen from a much longer 
course of ministrations. They are creditable to the activity 
of the minister, and to the readiness of the people, and evince, 



not obscurely, the favouring providence of God. May it 
continue and increase! — In the evening of the same day , 
I preached in the usual place of worship. 

On Saturday, May 3, I commenced a visitation to some 
of the Southern Churches of the diocese, accompanied by the 
Rev. Simon Wilmer ; who, still canonically resident in the 
diocese of Pennsylvania, has laboured for more than a year 
in the parishes of Berkeley, Chew's Landing, Glassborough, 
and Mullica Hill. We were carried from Camden to Berke- 
ley by Mr. Meguire. In the afternoon, and again in the 
evening, I preached in St John's Church, Chew's Landing. 
This congregation had been for some time scattered, and the 
Church almost deserted. For a considerable period, there 
was, as I am told, but a single communicant. On Saturday, 
I witnessed the baptism, by Mr. Wihner, of twelve adults 
and fourteen infants* and on Sunday morning, when I 
preached the third time, I confirmed twenty four persons. 
This is certainly an encouraging and surprising result 
There was every reason for the conviction, that the persons 
confirmed came intelligently and faithfully to the reception 
of the ordinance. The congregations in attendance were 
large, attentive and devotional; and the responses made with 
much earnestness and solemnity. The Prayer Book is in 
great and increasing demand. Immediately before the ser- 
vice on Saturday afternoon, several young persons, men and 
women, came forward, at the request of the Minister, and 
were examined in the Church Catechism. It was an instance 
of Christian simplicity and docility that pleased me much, 
and was creditable, to all concerned. Having had no op- 
portunity in their childhood, to acquire the "instruction to 
be learned by every person before he be brought to be con- 
firmed by the Bishop," they were not ashamed, in their 
manhood and womanhood, to stand up, as " babes in Christ," 
and be taught before the congregation. It were well if 
the disposition and practice, both were common. 

In the afternoon, I preached in St. Peter's Church, Berke- 
ley, and confirmed sixteen persons. Here again I found a 
large, and apparently much engaged congregation. I had 
confirmed in this church twice before. 



ML 



In the evening I preached in St. Stephen's Church, Mullica 
Hill. 

On Monday, May 5, in a heavy rain, Mr. Chatham con- 
veyed us in his carriage to Glasshorough. From the violence 
of the storm, there was no congregation at St. Thomas' 
Church. A few persons assembled at the house of Mrs. 
Whitney, where Jive were confirmed. The peace and 
stillness of the scene within, were in beautiful contrast 
with the raging of the storm without. It was a touching 
illustration of the security and serenity which the ark of 
God offers to the soul of the believer, rescued in it from the 
tempests and billows of the world. It was a delightful 
image of the perfect rest and peace of the eternal haven. 

On Tuesday, May 6, we rode 14 miles to visit a sick 
member of the Church. In the afternoon I preached again 
in St. Stephen's Church, Mullica Hill. I was struck with 
the singular beauty and salubrity of this place, as affording 
a most desirable site for schools. A distinguished Physician 
of Philadelphia, makes it the summer residence of his chil- 
dren. A Clergyman well qualified, and willing to receive 
a few boys into his family, would easily procure them, and 
would find himself most pleasantly and usefully situated. Of 
course, where there is the means of support, the Ministry 
had better be without the charge of a school. But where the 
question is between a Minister resident with such a charge, 
and no ministrations at all, or ministrations rare and 
irregular, I cannot for a moment hesitate as to the choice. 
What I desire is, that, as soon as possible, Berkeley and 
Chew's Landing should enjoy the entire services of one 
Clergyman; and that another, residing at Mullica Hill, 
should preach half of the time at Glasshorough. This might 
easily be done ; and two active men, with the Missionary 
spirit, would soon prepare the ground for two more. 

On Wednesday, May 7, I preached in the morning, and 
confirmed three persons, in Trinity Church, Swedesborough, 
(the third confirmation there,) and in the evening preached 
again. 

On Thursday, May 8, (Ascension day,) I was carried by 
the Rev. Mr. Mason, to Salem; where I preached on that 



day twice in St. John's Church, and once on Friday. I 
was pleased to find, that since my last visit a new and very 
sweet organ had been procured, and several improvements 
made, evincing an increase of interest in "the house of 
God, and the offices thereof." 

My attendance at the meeting of the Board of Directors 
of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society, on Tues- 
day and Wednesday, May 13th and 14th, was with peculiar 
satisfaction. The result of God's blessing on the enlarge- 
ment of the Society's operations, alluded to last year, was 
clearly seen in the increase of its revenues, and, what is of 
still better promise, in the "excellent spirit" which prevailed. 
A still further extension of Missionary labour was resolved 
on; and measures are in progress forgiving to the executive 
operations of the Society, more unity, more efficiency, and, 
at the same time, more responsibility. The Society deserves 
and needs the interest and prayers of the whole Church. 
Her position is now most encouraging. May she soon be, 
as she ought to be, in the fore-front of the Redeemer's 
"sacramental host," coming up to "the help of the Lord, 
against the mighty !" 

On Sunday, May 18, (Whitsunday,) in St. Mary's Church, 
Burlington, I confirmed seventeen persons. 

My visitations during the year, have been less extensive 
and less systematic than they would have been, had I been 
at residence in the diocese. The number of times that I 
have preached in the several Churches under my care, since 
the Convention, has been one hundred and ffty-nine. In 
seventeen Churches, I have confirmed, within the same 
period, one hundred and sixty-nine persons. 

The whole number of Clergymen connected with the dio- 
cese, is twenty-four ; one of whom, the Rev. Simon Wilmer, 
has canonical residence in the diocese of Pennsylvania. 
The Rev. Charles H. Wharton, D. D., Rector of St. Mary's 
Church, Burlington, has deceased, as stated before, and the 
vacant rectorship has been accepted by me. The Rev. 
Birdsey G. Noble has been transferred to the diocese of 
Connecticut, and the pastoral charge of St. John's Church, 
Elizabethtown, has been accepted by the Rev. Richard 



24 



Channing Moore, late of the diocese of Pennsylvania. 
There have also been added to the diocese, the Rev. Reuben 
H. Freeman, deacon, late of the diocese of New-York, 
Missionary to Belvidere, and parts adjacent; the Rev. Saml. 
Starr, deacon, late of the diocese of Connecticut, minister 
of St. Paul's Church, Camden, and St. Mary's Church, 
Colestown : the Rev. Samuel Edwin Arnold, late of the dio- 
cese of New- York, minister of St. Peter's Church, Freehold, 
and Principal of the Academy there; and the Rev. Charles 
Williams, D. D. late of the diocese of Maryland, resident 
in Burlington. It is to the generous kindness of Dr. Wil- 
liams, in supplying the pulpit of St. Mary's, that I have 
been indebted for the opportunity of accomplishing a con- 
•siderable portion of my episcopal visitations. 

Candidates for orders in the diocese are Henry Zel!, Al- 
fred E. Ford, Daniel J. Garrison, James A. Williams, and 
Francis P. Lee; the last three added, since the Convention, 
and all resident at the General Theological Seminary. 
Four Churches, all of stone, are in course of erection. 

I now, for the first time, feel that I am prepared to adopt, 
and, if God strengthen me, to execute a thorough plan of 
Episcopal visitations. My acquaintance with the several 
portions of the diocese, and with the interests, wants and 
capabilities of each, is now such as to give confidence to my 
purposes and system to my arrangements. There arc seve- 
ral objects to be secured, by such a plan as I propose. The 
more intimate acquaintance on my part with the parishes 
not only, but with the people of my charge. More frequent 
intercourse among the Clergy, with opportunities of mu- 
tual instruction and encouragement. The advantage to 
myself of consultation with them. The benefit to the peo- 
ple, of more frequent religious services, at proper periods, 
and under suitable regulation. For these and other reasons, 
I propose to unite periodical Convocations of the clergy, with 
my stated Episcopal visitations, And I request the attention 
of my reverend brethren to the statement of my plan, and 
their aid in its execution, it is designed for their profit, 
and for the profit of their people, as well as for my own 



greater convenience and usefulness; no part of which, with- 
out their cordial co-operation can be secured. 

I propose to divide the diocese into three geographical 
districts, to be called respectively, the Northern, Middle, and 
Southern visitations. The Northern, to include the Churches 
in the counties of Warren, Sussex, Morris, Bergen, and 
Essex; the Middle, to include the Churches in the counties 
of Hunterdon, Somerset, Middlesex, and Monmouth ; the 
Southern, to include the Churches in the counties of Bur 
lington, Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland, and Cape May. 
The visitation of the Northern Churches, to be in the Summer, 
in the month of Ju]y ; of the Middle, in the Autumn, in the 
month of October ; of the Southern, in the Spring, in 
the month of April. A Convocation will be held in the 
course of each visitation ; at which, it shall be the duty of 
all the Clergy of the Churches visited, and the privilege of 
all the Clergy of the diocese, to attend, — that for the Northern 
visitation, to be on the festival of St. James; that for the 
Middle, on the festival of St. Simon and St. Jade ; and that 
for the Southern, on the festival of St. Mark. To exem- 
plify my meaning ; — the visitation which I propose first to 
undertake, that of the Northern Churches, will commence 
on Tuesday, July 8, at Orange, and will comprise the re- 
mainder of the month; — the Convocation to be held in St. 
Peter's Church, Morristown, on the festival of St. James, 
Friday, July 25, at eleven o'clock A. M., — and will proceed 
in the following order: — 

July 8th., 9th., and 10th., at St. Mark's, Orange, and 
Camptown ; — 11th., Christ Chapel, Belvilie; — 12th., and 
13th., (Sunday,) St. Matthew's jersey City ; — 14th., and 
15th., St. Paul's, Paterson ;— 16th.. 17th., and 18th., Christ 
Church, Newton, and Christ Church, Johnsonsburgh;— 19th., 
St. Luke's, Hope ;— 20th., (Sunday,) and 21st., St. James' 
Knowlton ; — 22dv, 23d., and 24th., Zion Church, Bclvidere, 
Harmony andHacketstown; — 25th., (Convocation) 26th, and 
27th., (Sunday) St. Peter's Morristown, and Dover; — 28th., 
and 29th., Trinity, Newark; — 30th., and 31st, St. John's 
Eiizabethtown, and Rahway.— The Clergy of the Churches 
visited, are earnestly requested to accompany me through 
4 



26 

as much of the visitation as may be practicable; and to take 
part in the several services. They will all be expected to 
meet me at the Convocation; with as many of the other 
Clergy of the diocese, as may find it convenient. It is my 
desire to administer the Lord's Supper at every visitation; 
and the rite of confirmation, in all the parishes, once in every 
year. The time for these services, in every case, will be the 
morning of the first day of the visitation. A special ap- 
pointment for the afternoon, will be made in another part of 
the Address. 

In this way, devoting from four to five weeks to each dis- 
trict, and from three to four months to the stated visitation 
of the whole diocese, — independently of those occasional visits 
which will often occur, — sufficient time will be afforded, in its 
present extent, to accomplish, in a good degree, towards 
every part of it, the purposes contemplated in " the office 
of a Bishop." The Clergy will, indeed, be taken for a few 
days in each year from their parishes: but it cannot be doubt- 
ed that they will return to them invigorated both in body 
and mind, with improved experience and renewed devotion; 
while the parishes will enjoy, in the special services of the 
Bishop and Clergy, a valuable equivalent. The means of 
more intimate intercourse among the Clergy themselves, and 
between them and myself, will thus be statedly enjoyed ; 
there will be a free and familiar interchange of thought and 
feeling; and from their preaching in presence of each other, 
and in my presence, — a thing which is now of the rarest 
occurrence, — mutual improvement cannot but be derived. It 
may reasonably be believed that the presence of several of 
the Clergy, for two or three days, in a parish, with services 
reasonably multiplied, — and our Church provides for two in 
each day, — might be so ordered, as to promote its spiritual 
interests, strengthening the hands of the Minister, while it 
encouraged the hearts of the people. It is but too certain 
that whether by the injudicious repetition of services, or by 
irregularity in their performance, or by the admission of 
improper feelings and motives, much evil may be, and has 
been done. Unmixed good cannot, of course, be expected on 
earth. In this respect, however, as in most others, the pro- 



27 



visions of the Church will be found safe and salutary* 
Faithful adherence to the order of her services, in the due 
subordination of her Ministry, will leave room for sufficient 
variety, while it restrains irregularity and excess. I have 
long thought that the arrangement now proposed, wouki 
secure a just medium, and be productive of excellent results. 
It is but frank to say, that arrangements of a similar cha- 
racter, not in connection with the ecclesiastical head of the 
diocese, are, to say the least, of questionable advantage. 
Where, as on the part of him who add resses you, there is 
an entire readiness, in addition to the provision now pro- 
posed, to meet, to the utmost extent of ability, the parochial 
emergencies which may, from time to time, occur, there can- 
not surely be pleaded for them the least necessity. 

A subject which has occupied much of my thoughts since 
our last meeting, my brethren of the Clergy and Laity, is 
the religious instruction of children. I need go into no detail 
of argument, or of illustration, to impress you with its im- 
portance, or with the sense of our duty in the premises. I 
do not hesitate to say, that, as the training up of his children, 
"in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" is the parent's 
first and highest duty, so the Christian Pastor can in no 
other way so effectually subserve the objects of his calling, 
in the edification of the Church for the salvation of souls, 
as in the strict, constant, jjersonal supervision of the reli- 
gious education of the children of his charge. It is a duty 
which cannot be neglected without the most awful responsi- 
bility, and which cannot be delegated by him to any other. 
Of the great benefits which have been derived, and which 
may be expected from the excellent institution of Sunday 
Schools, I do not entertain, and would not intimate, a doubt. 
As auxiliaries to the pastoral care of the young, or as sub- 
stitutes where it cannot be had, they are of unquestionable 
value, and their extension an undoubted blessing. But there 
is too great reason to believe that their proper use has, in 
many instances, been departed from ; that they have a become 
substitutes for, instead of auxiliaries to, the pastoral care; 
that the Clergy have gradually withdrawn, or been by im- 
perceptible degrees removed, from their direction, until their 



28 



influence over them, has almost ceased ; if, in some cases,, 
their right to control and regulate them he not seriously 
questioned. Nor is this all. The ancient and wise pro- 
visions of the Church for the instruction of all her children, 
in the Catechism, have, it is to be feared, been in a great de- 
gree superseded, and gone into disuse: so that the pastoral 
intercourse with the young, and, of course, the pastoral 
influence with them, is scarcely, if at all, greater, than with 
the adult parishioners. Now this cannot be right. It is 
not safe for the country, nor for the Church. It is not 
consistent, my brethren of the Clergy, with the solemn 
responsibility of our ofOce. We cannot so give account 
with joy for the lambs of our Saviour's flock. The subject 
is too large for full discussion now. At a time not distant, 
I hope to return to it. It shall be my effort and prayer, 
meanwhile, that apian may be devised suitable to our great 
responsibilities and great advantages, by which, from the 
first dawn of intelligence until the full maturity of man- 
hood, our children, so far as on us depends, may be taught, 
trained, and, through grace, divinely influenced, in re- 
gard to all those things " which a Christian ought to 
know and believe to his soul's health." A series of books, 
suited to this end, drawn from scriptural sources, and in 
agreement with ecclesiastical provisions, would be the most 
valuable offering that human talents, learning and piety 
could lay on the altars of the Church. What I propose 
now to do, is to urge on my brethren of the Clergy, the im- 
portance of their giving their best attention generally to 
the whole subject, to recommend to every Clergyman the 
constant exercise of his personal superintendence over his 
Sunday School, and more especially to recal to mind the 
rubrical and canonical provision on the subject: — the ru- 
bric first following the Catechism, directing, that "the 
Minister of every parish shall diligently, upon Sundays and 
Holy days, or on some other convenient occasions, openly, 
in the Church, instruct or examine so many children of his 
parish sent unto him, as he shall think convenient, in some 
part of this Catechism and the 28th canon of the General 
Convention, ordering that the "Ministers of this Church, 



£9 



who have charge of parishes or cures, shall not only he dili- 
gent in instructing the children in the Catechism, hut shall 
also, hy stated catechetical lectures and instruction, he dili- 
gent in informing the youth and others in the doctrines, con- 
stitution and liturgy of the Church." As evidence of my 
great interest in the subject, and with the view to aiding 
the Clergy m drawing to it the attention of parents, it is 
my request that, at ail future visitations, the children maybe 
catechised in my presence, before the congregation ; and I 
appoint the time, to be immediately after the second lesson 
in the afternoon service of the first day of the visitation. 

I have great satisfaction in stating that the plan of the 
"Offerings of the Church," recommended at the last Con- 
vention, has been the subject of favourable notice in many 
quarters, and has been partially adopted in other dioceses. — 
Its results in this, cannot, of course, be known until the 
parochial reports shall have been read. In my own parish, 
its fruits have been most rich and encouraging, as the re- 
port of the parish will show ; and calculated to give the 
fullest confirmation, if any could be needed, of the practi- 
cability and profitableness of the plan. A pastoral letter, 
setting forth hi detail the mode of introduction and prosecu- 
tion which I had adopted, was issued last winter, at the in- 
stance of some of the Clergy, and will be printed with the 
Journal. On these points I have nothing more to suggest. 
As to the appropriation to be made of the " Offerings of the 
Church," I would, on further consideration, recommend to 
the Trustees the following : — the deduction, first, of ten 
per centum of the whole annual receipts, to be paid to the 
Treasurer of the <6 Domestic and Foreign Missionary So- 
ciety," as the 1 'Offering of the Church" in the diocese of 
New-Jersey, for the general purposes of the Society. The 
remainder I would appropriate entirely to Missionary pur- 
poses within the diocese. The Society " for the Promotion 
of Christian Knowledge and Piety, " with which I have be- 
come better acquainted since the Convention, has a small 
annual income, which well deserves increase; and to it may 
properly be intrusted the assisting of candidates for orders 
in obtaining their preliminary, collegiate, or theological 



30 



education, and the distribution, within the diocese, of Bibles., 
Prayer Books and Tracts. The " Offerings of the Church" 
will then be understood to be the Missionary fund of the 
diocese, available to nine tenths of its amount, for our own 
diocesan purposes; while the remaining tenth is but a pro- 
per acknowledgment that we are debtors, not to the inhabi- 
tants of the remoter regions of our own country alone, but to 
the Greek, also, and the Barbarian. I must again urge, even 
to importunity, upon every Clergyman and Layman in the 
diocese, the importance of prompt and constant attention to 
the subject; in the full assurance that, if generally adopted 
and pursued, it will afford, without perceptible inconven- 
ience, a perennial and increasing supply, adequate to all 
our necessities. 

The formation or revival of parochial libraries is, I am 
glad to find, receiving general attention among our parishes. 
An excellent library lias, as before stated, been formed at 
Newark, as formerly there had been at Orange; and a com- 
mencement of one made at Colestown. The same thing is 
in progress at Camden; and the library of St. Mary's 
Church, Burlington, lately increased by the bequest of part 
of Dr. Wharton's books, is about to be brought into more 
general use. The remark is sometimes made, that parish 
libraries are little used, and soon dispersed ; and the fact is 
adduced that, of the excellent collections with which all our 
parishes, by the wise provision of the venerable society for 
the propagation of the Gospel in foreign parts, were furnish- 
ed, are now, with scarcely an exception, squandered. Of 
this unfortunate result, the vicissitudes of the times ought 
always to be given in explanation; and it should also be re- 
membered, that the good seed, though scattered, is not lost, 
but producing doubtless in many quarters, its desirable fruits. 
To a single volume of one of these collections, if I am not 
misinformed, the existence of the flourishing parish of St. 
Mark's Church, Orange,* is under God, mainly to be as- 



* I take occasion here to state with very great satisfaction, that a few per- 
sons, members of this parish, or interested in it, have subscribed the sum 



31 



cribed. Parish libraries, of course, like any other libraries, 
not read, will do no good. But the Clergyman may easily 
do much to interest his people in reading, and he will find 
his labour well repaid. He, of course, should always de- 
termine the selection of the books. Let it be seen by his 
attention to the library, that he attaches importance to it. 
Let him, on suitable occasions, in his sermons, or in his 
pastoral conversations, recommend particular books. Es- 
pecially let him, in his scriptural, catechetical and liturgi- 
cal classes, point out to his people the sources of useful in- 
struction. Let him do this habitually. He will find no 
want of interest. Books will be in demand. Having the 
selection of them, he may turn the minds of his people 
almost "like the rivers of waters." The volumes of the 
library will preach where he cannot. They will teach what 
he has not the time to teach. And while he is engaged in 
his study, they will be going about among his people, con- 
firming the instructions of his last discourse, or preparing 
for the impressions of his next. For the encouragement of 
this object, a list of books suited for parochial libraries has 
been prepared, and will be printed with the journal. 

There is a custom common in some parts of our country, 
and I believe increasing, of celebrating with religious ser- 
vices, the anniversary of the declaration of the national inde- 
pendence. I highly approve of it. Without any regard to 
the suspicion of desiring an establishment of religion, I 

of Jive thousand dollars, as a permanent fund; the interest of which, is to 
be appropriated to the support of the Minister. As there is a contingency 
by which the trust thus constituted may pass to this Convention, I deem 
it proper that the documents connected with the transaction, should be 
printed with the journal; as well for the information of its future mem- 
bers, as for the encouragement of other congregations to go and do like- 
wise. And I take this occasion to say, that, though I do not consider it 
desirable that the members of any parish, should be freed from the ne- 
cessity of contributing to the support of religious ministrations; yet I do 
regard partial endowments to that end, and for other parochial purposes, 
as eminently to be encouraged, and had in honour. In cases where, by 
existing foundations, the support of Christian worship is defrayed, there 
is an obvious duty incumbent on the persons thus favoured, to communi" 
cate of their fulness for the assistance of their destitute neighbours. " We 
then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak." 



32 



vesiture to say, that there is, in our political and civil insti- 
tutions, too little reference to Him who is the only source 
and security of whatever is good in them. I enter into no 
discussion of the causes of this deficiency, or of the apolo- 
gies for it. The fault exists, and is to be regretted. What 
is still more to the purpose, it is, so far as may be, to be 
obviated. "Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is 
the reproach," and will be the destruction, "of any peo- 
ple." Already it begins to be felt that from the want of a 
pervading religious principle, the institutions which have 
cost so much and promised so well, fail of their expected 
result; and wise and good men of all parties and of every 
name, unite in the conviction, that, unless as a nation, we seek 
the blessing of the Holiest, the best hopes of humanity must 
suffer disappointment. There is but one escape from this 
result, — in national repentance, national humiliation, na- 
tional submission to Christ. As individuals, we ourselves 
must do our part by turning tvu]y to the Lord. A public 
Christian recognition of our dependence on Him as a nation, 
and of our duty as a nation, towards Him, will have its 
weight with others ; and may prevail, if we pour out our 
hearts before Him, in winning, through the intercession of 
the divine Saviour, that blessing, without which all w e do is 
vain. There can be no day more appropriate for this pur- 
pose than that which is so extensively celebrated as "the 
birth day of our independence." Let us do what we can 
to rescue it from licentiousness and misrule. Let us 
do what we can to inscribe on all its observances, and 
on all its issues, "Holiness to the Lord." Such was ori- 
ginally the pious purpose of the framers of the Liturgy. 
In the "Proposed Book," so called, there is "a Form of 
Prayer and Thanksgiving to Almighty God, for the inesti- 
mable blessings of religious and civil liberty, to be used 
yearly on the fourth day of July." 1 know not w hy it was 
omitted in the final revision. It is a service well adapted 
for the occasion ; and, with suitable alterations, will be set 
forth for use in this diocese. One improvement has sug- 
gested itself to me as worthy of being incorporated with 
the plan. The day on which we acknowledge the goodness 



S3 

of God in establishing our own freedom, is a day on which 
we should do what we can towards letting " the oppressed 
go free." As a nation, we are held by peculiar obligations 
to promote the civil and religious liberation of Africa. The 
duty has been very generally recognized among American 
Christians, by the practice of making collections, after the 
religious services of the day, for the benefit of the American 
Colonization Society. Of that institution, I design to ex- 
press no opinion — none certainly of an unfavourable charac- 
ter. But the fact, that the Domestic and Foreign Mission- 
ary Society of our Church, lias been for many years desirous 
of establishing a Mission there, with the recent resolution of 
the Board of Directors, instructing the Executive Committee 
to send two Missionaries to Africa with all convenient speed? 
has seemed to me, to call especially for our approbation and 
patronage. I propose, therefore, that the services of the 
day be partly of a Missionary character; and that a collec- 
tion be recommended in all the Churches of the Diocese, — the 
proceeds of which, shall be transmitted to the Treasurer of 
the Society above named, in aid of Missions to Jlfrica. 

There is but one subject more, of a general character, to 
which I shall at present venture to invite your attention. 
And I do so, because from its great importance, it deserves 
to be presented as early as may be to your notice, that you 
may be the sooner prepared to act in regard to it with effi- 
ciency. I recommend, brethren of the Clergy and of the 
Laity, for your most serious consideration, the establishment, 
under the auspices of the Church, of a School or Seminary, 
of a high order, at which there may be provision, wholly, or 
in part, gratuitous, for the preparatory education of young 
men designing to enter on a course of Theological study. 
The diocese of New Jersey presents peculiar facilities for 
institutions of learning. An Episcopal School that deserved 
patronage — and I should be sorry to see one that did not — 
would be liberally sustained by scholars from the vicinity, 
and from abroad. A portion of the profits should be set 
aside as a foundation for the purposes above named; and 
individual bounty would, I am very confident, come liberally 
in aid of the enterprizc. We should thus have the means of 
5 



34 



educating our own sons under circumstances most favour- 
able to their character and principles. The number of 
candidates for orders would be increased by the facilities of 
education. The standard of learning among us would be 
elevated. Better than all, the means of instruction would 
be presented, as they ought ever to be, under the sanctifying 
influences of religion. I am sanguine in the opinion, that a 
judicious plan for this purpose would be most cordially en- 
couraged. I should most cheerfully devote myself, as a duty 
of the highest moment, to its establishment and furtherance. 
Having done what our hands find to do in a work so chari- 
table and holy, we may safely leave it to the blessing of 
Almighty God. 

My brethren of the Clergy and Laity, we are to proceed 
now to the business of the Convention. It is a noble and most 
blessed work in which we are to be engaged, the bearing 
and sustaining of the holy ark of God. Let us keep in 
mind the immensity of the interests that are to occupy us, — 
the care of souls, for which the Lord Jesus Christ was content 
to die, and which, when the world, and " all that it inherit," 
shall have perished, will but just have entered on their 
career of immortality. Let us keep in mind the lofty ends 
for which we are permitted to employ ourselves, — the estab- 
lishment and extension upon earth of the Redeemer's spiritual 
kingdom, and the making ready for it, as its subjects and its 
heirs, of " a people prepared for the Lord." Let us keep in 
mind the character which, as engaged for such interests, and 
devoted to such ends, it becomes us to maintain, — "be ye 
clean that bear the vessels of the Lord." While we labour 
to build up the Church in ail our borders, let us not cease 
our labour, our care and our diligence, that we ourselves be 
built up, through divine grace, in the most holy faith. 
There is nothing, let us remember, in privileges, in ordi- 
nances, or in services, that can ensure to us salvation. The 
only purchase that can avail for that, is the precious blood 
of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is, as justified by faith in 
Him, that we can alone have peace with God. It is in the 
submission to Him of our hearts and lives, as a Prince and 
a Saviour, to reign over us, as He has redeemed us, that we 



35 



can alone wait with confidence for His appearing. It is in 
the continual transformation of our nature, and its renewal 
after the divine image, by the sanctifying power of the 
Spirit, which He has purchased for us, that we can alone be 
prepared, on earth, for His presence in heaven. To these 
things, then, let us give ourselves up in unreserved devotion. 
For these things let us long, and labour, and strive, and pray. 
"To as many as receive Him, gives He power to become the 
sons of God, even to them that believe on His name." Ad- 
mitted ourselves to the glorious liberty of that most sacred 
and endearing relation, and walking worthily of its pur- 
poses, its privileges, and its hopes, our light will so shine be- 
fore men, that they also will glorify our Father who is in 
heaven. So shall God, for Jesus Christ's sake, be merciful 
unto us, and bless us, and show us the light of His counte- 
nance. So, by zealous efforts not only, but by holy exam- 
ples, shall we give urgency to the devout prayer, that His 
"way may be known upon earth," His "saving health 
among all nations." " Then shall the earth" indeed " bring 
forth," in righteousness and true holiness, "her" due and 
delightful "increase, and God, even our own God, shall give 
us His blessing." 

G. W. DOANE. 

Newark, 28th May, 1834. 



ADDENDA. 



"UPON THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK LET EVERY ONE OF YOU LAY BY 
HIM IN STORE, AS GOD HATH PROSPERED HIM."— 1 Cor. XVI. 2. 

PASTORAL LETTER 

To the Clergy of the Diocese of New-Jersey, on the 
"Offerings of the Church." 

Dear Brethren, 

Having been much inquired of as to the best mode of carrying 
into effect the plan of systematic charity recommended by St. Paul, 
(1 Cor, xvi, 2,) and proposed for your consideration in my late Episco- 
pal address, and having reason to believe that its adoption in some pa- 
rishes has been delayed, from doubts entertained, as to the details neces- 
sary to be employed, I take occasion to delineate a plan which has thus 
far been found successful ; and, where none that is better has been in- 
troduced, to request your immediate presentation of it to the people of 
your cures. In bringing the subject before the Convention, it was my 
purpose merely to call your attention to it by the statement of a general 
outline. Its adoption in some form I took for granted, from the great 
favour with which it was received and recommended, as well by your 
own suffrages, as by those of our brethren of the laity. Your several 
experience, I supposed, as presented in your parochial reports at the 
next Convention, would enable us to select, from all the modes which 
should be tried, the best, for future operation. Such may still be the 
result. Meanwhile, that nothing may be wanting on my part to the 
success of a measure which I have much at heart, and which has re- 
ceived from all quarters the most favorable consideration, I cheerfully 
submit the results of my own experience, during six months, in the pa- 
rish Church of St. Mary's, Burlington, of which I have at present the 
charge. 

As soon after the Convention as my episcopal duties allowed me, I 
brought the subject before the congregation, by reading to them so 
much of the Address and Journal of the Convention, as had relation to 
the subject, in connexion with a sermon enforcing the Christian duty of 
benevolence, es] ecially for the relief of spiritual destitution. Some two 
or three of tiie most respectable persons in the parish immediately of- 
fered their services to call on every member of the congregation. They 
did so, with books prepared for the purpose ; and took the names of 
such as were willing to contribute, with the weekly sum which each 



38 



would agff e to give: recommending, in families, the subdivision of the 
whole amount among the several members, rather than its contribution 
in a gross sum, by the head. I am not aware that they were refused by 
any. The largest weekly subscriptions were twenty-Jive cents, of which 
there were but few. Several agreed to give one cent per week, a sub- 
scription as welcome as the largest. The average was about Jive cents 
per week. It should here be observed, that before the plan could be 
fully carried into effect, several weeks had elapsed. The subscribers 
were requested, however, to date the commencement of their "offer- 
ings," from the Lord's clay next after the Convention, that a whole year's 
proceeds might be secured; and scarcely any refused. 

The names and sums being thus obtained, a larger book was prepared, 
with twelve columns for the twelve months, from Convention to Con- 
vention, in which all the subscribers were enrolled. Notice was then 
given, that on the last Sunday evening in every month, there would be a 
service, and a sermon, lecture or address, (generally of a J\lissionai~y cha- 
racter,) at which the "offerings" for the four or five Lord's days in the 
month would be received. The contributors were requested to enclose 
their "offerings" {twenty or twenty-Jive cents, for instance, by each 
weekly subscriber of Jive cents, according as there were four or Jive 
Sundays in the month,) in an envelope, sealed or tied, with the name 
distinctly marked. After the sermon the plate or box :s handed by the 
Wardens, — each subscriber deposits his own " offering," and those of 
his family or neighbours who cannot attend, — and occasional worship- 
pers make their contribution. The whole is taken home. The little 
packets are opened and their Contents entered opposite the names 
which they respectively bear, and in the column of the month ;-— 
while for the occasional contributions, a separate account is kept. The 
very few who have been prevented from coming on Sunday, send their 
"offerings" during the following week, or are called on; and thus a 
complete account is kept for the whole year, with each contributor. 

It remains to speak of the results. Without specifying now precise 
amounts, it may be confidently asserted from the experience thus ob- 
tained in one parish, that if the plan should be adopted throughout the 
diocese, with nearly the like efficiency, its proceeds will furnish the 
means of supporting as many additional Missionaries as we now have 
parishes : in other words, that each of our present parishes, taken one 
with another, can, out of the mere fragments of that with which "God 
hath prospered them," (and which, as one well remarked, "no man 
misses,") enable a new parish to make up the support of a Clergyman, 
It will easily be seen that should this course of operation be universal 
and permanent, the increase of our Clergy, so far as it depends on the 
means of supporting them, may be nearly in geometrical progression.— 
And, let it be remembered, this is to cost the members of our commun- 
ion Jive cents each week, paid at periods which scarcely suffer it to be 
perceptible. 

But there is a result far more valuable than this, — the introduction in- 
to the Church of systematic charity ufion principle,— -the simplifying of 



59 



the operations of Christian benevolence, and rendering them more direct, 
more satisfactory, and more efficient. There is reason to fear that in the 
complex machinery, which is brought to bear upon this subject, the end is 
often lost sight of in the means. The result, we know, is for the most 
part greatly disproportioned to the effort. In this, as in other cases, it 
may be well to resort to first principles. Suppose the beautiful collect 
fully answered, which the Church has provided for Quinquagesima Sun- 
day, and that God had sent his Holy Ghost, and poured into our hearts 
the most excellent gift of charity, — on what better scale, more equitable 
towards men, more pleasing to Him, can it be exercised, than on that 
which his Apostle has directed, each giving " as God hath prospered'* 
him? At what mere reasonable periods, considering the uncertainty of 
life, and the instability of fortune, can we account with ourselves, and with 
God, for the worldly goods which he has lent us, than once in a week? 
On what day of the week so fitly, as on "the first day," and the best, 
which crowns and blesses all the seven? What association so well and 
happily adjusted for uniting and encouraging the efforts of individuals 
and families, as the parochial, — the fiock combining with, and guided, by 
its pastor? And what more appropriate completion of the whole, and 
binding of all in one, than the union of all the parishes in the diocese, to make 
for common wants a common treasury, — the shepherds severally collect- 
ing the contributions of their flocks, under the direction of him who is chief 
among them, that he may be the more their servant, — the "offerings of 
the Church," being thus made ready, that, as Paul directed, there be no 
time lost in " gatherings" when lie comes ? Here is no complicated or- 
ganization, to involve and to perplex ; but all is plain and simple. Here 
is no " getting up" of a new contrivance, to work with, just as long as it 
is new, and then give place to one more novel ; but the adoption of a 
system coeval with the Church. Here is no array of offices and titles, 
to enkindle vanity first, and then confusion and strife; for the Clergy 
alone, as fathers in their families, are charged with its direction. — 
Here is no temptation to give except for giving's sake, and no discour- 
agement of the widow's mite, by its invidious contrast with the rich man's 
talent. And, not the least, all is done and kept, literally within the 
Church, as the Church; and they who know best where the means are, 
and what the wants are, are alone entrusted with their collection, and 
with their appropriation. And though for the present, to recommend 
and aid the work, specific sums must be proposed, and express subscrip- 
tions encouraged, who can tell — nay as Christians, may we not confi- 
dently trust ? — but that in this way, striving earnestly together, and look- 
ing up with fervent prayer to Him who alone giveth the increase, Chris- 
tian men may be brought to consider themselves, as they are, God*s 
stewards, and led to the literal adoption of the Apostle's precept, in 
giving " as God hath prospered" them, —yea, deeming nothing of the 
things which they possess their own, but holding all in trust, for God's 
glory and the good of man ? 

Upon you, dear brethren, under God, whatever shall be accomplished 
towards an end so much to be desired, must chiefly depend. To your 



40 



actual labours indeed it will not greatly add. An additional service, 
though valuable in keeping up and increasing the interest of the people, 
is not essential; since the "offerings" may be collected at morning or 
evening prayer. And for the adjustment of the whole account, when 
once the plan is organized, an hour in each month will be sufficient. But 
it will demand your constant attention. It will need your deep and heart- 
felt interest. It will require you to be willing to take account, for the 
Lord's sake and his poor, of sixpences and cents. To such attention, to 
such interest, to such condescension, I need not, I am sure, exhort you. 
You know, as I do, the urgent wants which press upon us for spiritual 
relief. You have not forgotten, and will not fail to urge upon the people 
of your charge, those words of the Lord Jesus Christ, how he said, " It 
is more blessed to give than to receive. " You have not failed to con- 
sider the injustice, as well as the inexpediency of inviting and relying up- 
on the bounty of the rich, to the neglect of the smaller contributions of 
their less favoured brethren in Christ. And as you break seal after seal, 
as I have done, to take out of its little envelope, and enter scrupulously 
injthe book, the single cent, which constitutes the "offering" cf the poor 
widow, or, it may be, of the negro boy, you will remember her, who, of 
old, cast in "two mites, which make a farthing," into the treasury of God, 
and His approving and ennobling ^sentence, who declared that she had 
cast in more than all the rich. 

Commending you, and all the people of our common care, to Him from 
whom alone "all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works do 
proceed," I am, dear brethren, your affectionate and faithful friend and 
fellow servant in Christ Jesus, 

G. W. DOANE, 

Bishop, of the Diocese of New Jersey. 

Burlington, Nov. 25, 1833. 

P. S. The W ardens of vacant parishes are requested to bring the sub- 
ject before the congregations with whose interests they are charged. It 
is but just to say that such parishes and Missionary stations alone can pro- 
perly expect assistance from the "Offerings of the Church," as, in pro- 
portion to their ability, have shown themselves willing to contribute. The 
reverend Clergy, (in vacant parishes, the Wardens,) are requested to 
state in their parochial reports the mode adopted by them, and the result. 

G. W. D. 

The extracts which follow, from the Address and Journal of last year, 
in connexion with the Pastoral Letter, will present the whole subject. 

"All that is needed is the love of Christ to move us to the effort, 
faith to attempt and to pursue it, and method, Christian method, 
in its prosecution. Let the Churchmen of New Jersey adopt, in 
earnest, the direction of St. Paul to them of Galatia, and at Corinth, 
and the result is sure. ' Upon the first day of the week, let every one of 



41 



you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no 
gatherings when I come,'* Let every one who desires the prosperity of 
the Church determine, that hence forward he will follow the Apostle's 
rule; and the treasury of the Lord will, from that time, be like the 
widow's cruse. The weekly appropriation of five cents, by every wor- 
shipper in our communion — and if there be any that cannot give five, let 
him give one I — would fully meet our whole necessities. Think how 
small an acknowledgment it would be, brethren, to Him who gives us all! 
Seriously reflect with yourselves, that the call is made in His name, who 
alone gives the blessing to your plans, and to your labours; that He 
knows — and will take strict account of— your ability; and that he alone 
is truly rich, however poor in this world's goods, who is ' rich in faith/ 
'rich in good works,' 'rich towards God,' — and then begin at once the blessed 
appropriation. ' Bring ye all the tithes into the store house, that there 
may be meat in mine house, and prove me now here with, saith the Lord 
of Hosts, if I will not open you the windows of Heaven, and pour you out 
a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it,'" 

On this portion of the Address, the following resolutions were unani- 
mously adopted by the Convention : 

" 1. Resolved, That at the instance of the Bishop, it is affectionately 
recommended to every Episcopalian of this Diocese, to commence im- 
mediately, and henceforth to continue, a weekly appropriation and con- 
tribution for the promotion of Christian knowledge and piety, on the 
principle recommended by St. Paul, in 1st Corinthians, xvi. 2. — ''Upon 
the first day of the week, let every one of you lay by him in store as God 
has prospered him;" — it being recommended that at least five cents each 
week be given; the proceeds of such appropriation to constitute an an- 
nual fund, to be known as the 'Offerings of the Church,' 

" 2. Resolved, That at the instance of the Bishop, it be affectionately 
and earnestly recommended to the Clergy in each parish, and where 
there is no Clergym an, to the W ardens, to promote and to take charge of 
this contribution. 

"3. Resolved, That the appropriation constituting the fund to be 
known as the ' Offerings of the Church,' be paid at or before each annual 
Convention, to the Treasurer of the Diocese, and be held subject to 
the direction of the Bishop, and two Clergymen, and two Laymen, to be 
annually elected as Trustees of the 'Offerings of the Church ;' who shall 
make report to each annual Convention of the purposes to which the 
fund has been appropriated. 

"4. Resolved, That the provisions of the above resolutions are not 
designed to discourage contributions in other forms heretofore made, or 
hereafter to be made, for the promotion of similar objects." 



6 



* 1 Cor. xvi. % 



42 



In the following Postscript to the Address, the plan is stated more in 
detail, and enforced by additional considerations. 

POSTSCRIPT. 



" Nothing could have been more gratifying to me, nor, I think, more 
ausp icious to the best interests of the Church, than the zeal and una- 
nimity with which the Report of the very respectable Committee ap- 
pointed on this portion ol the Address, was received, and the resolutions 
•or carrying it into effect adopted, by the Convention, I take this occa- 
sion again to solicit most earnestly the attention of my brethren of the 
Clergy and Laity to this most important subject. A plan is now before 
them, which, in the judgment of all,* is perfectly feasible ; and which, if 
adopted, the simplest arithmetical calculation suffices to prove effectual. 
But there is no plan so good that it will work of itself. Upon the Clergy 
must dev olve the duty of arranging in each parish the details of the op- 
eration; of urging to a zealous, liberal, and persevering engagement in it; 
and of collecting and transmitting its results. Upon the Laity devolves 
the duty, shall I call it ? — no, the blessed privilege ! — to give 'as God 
hath prospered them.' The question has been asked, 'how shall the 
money be collected ?' I answer, it matters not, so that it be done. Only 
let the will exist, and the work will soon be accomplished. I would sug- 
gest, however, to all, 'high and low, rich and poor, one with another,' a 
few plain, practical considerations. 

" 1. Let it be regarded as the privilege of every one, ' young men and 
maidens, old men and children,' to give something to the ' Offerings of 
the Church.' 

" 2. Let every one make a conscience of giving, in the Apostle's phrase, 
'as God hath prospered him and let all strive very hard to give 'at 
least Jive cents a week. ' 

" 3. Let what is given be given on the principle of sacrifice — they who 
have to earn it, working a little longer and a little harder ; they who 
have it earned to their hand, retrenching some superfluity ; little children 
taking so much from the money they have to spend. His was a noble 
resolution, who would not offer unto the Lord his God of that which cost 
him nothing, 

"4. Let all make it a rule to appropriate weekly, and 'on the first day 
of the week, ' It will be given more freely in the small fraction, than 
in the gross sum. The money contributed, or solemnly appropriated, 
will be out of the way of temptation. There will be thus to every one 
a weekly reminiscence of his inestimable Christian privileges. There is a 
peculiar fitness in remembering on the day of our chief joy, those to 

* See an excellent sermon on this subject, by the Rev. Benjamin Dorr, 
A. M. Rector of Trinity Church, Utica, (N. Y.,)— entitled " The Apos- 
tolic Rule, or Systematic Charity." 



43 



whom the blessings of the sanctuary come not at all, or rarely and im- 
perfectly. 

"5. Let my brethren of the Clergy, each in his own parish, consider 
himself as charged with this enterprise of Christian benevolence. Let 
them consult, at once, with their Wardens, vestrymen, and parishioners, 
as to the best way of making the collections ; — the appropriation, I take 
for granted. Let them encourage the rich to give of their abundance, 
and the poor of their penury; remembering that what is so given, is lent 
to the Lord, who will repay it again. Let them obtain the collections as 
frequently as possible — weekly if they can; — and remit them at once to 
the Treasurer, that the Church may lose no interest. 

Let it be remembered that in every congregation which shall furnish 
one hundred persons, paying, on an average, Jive cents, in every week 
of every year, a perpetual 'offering' of two hundred and fifty dollars 
per annum will be made; — and let none despise 'the day of small things* 
nor be ' weary in well doing!' 

" Finally, let all remember the magnitude, in time, and for eternity 
of the objects proposed ! Let all remember that He, in whose name we 
ask, is the same who fills their barns with plenty, and blesses the labour 
of their hands ! Let all remember those words of the Lord Jesus, how- 
he said, 'Itismore blessed to give than to receive'" 



* 



REPORT 

OF 

THE TRUSTEES OF THE « OFFERINGS OF THE CHURCH-" 



In Convention, May 1834. 

The Trustees of the "Offerings of the Church," report 
that there have been received from the Churches hereinafter 



named, the following sums:—- 

St Mary's Church, Burlington ----- $271 59 

Trinity Church, Swedesborough ----- 40 00 

St. Mark's Church, Orange - - - - - - 49 15 

St. Peters Church, Morristown - - - - 32 06 

St. Matthew's Church, Jersey City - - - 14 58 

St Peter's Church, Perth Amboy - - - - - 15 00 

St. John's Churc h, Elizabethtown ----- 18 00 

St. James' Church, Knowlton, St. Luke's Church, Hope, 

and Christ Church, Johnsonsburgh - - - 44 32 

Trinity Church, Newark - - - - - 149 20 

Christ Church, New ton - - - - - - - 50 00 

St Peter's Church, Freehold 10 00 

St Andrew's Church, Mount Holly - 15 00 

Christ Church, New Brunswick ----- 82 98 

Zion Church, Eelvidere 38 00 

Missionary Station, at Dover ------ 20 00 



St. James' Church, Piscataway, and Trinity Church, Woodbridge 12 51 
making in all, the sum of S862 39 ; — that there have been 
paid, to the following Missionaries under the direction of the 



Bishop, the sums named below, — 

The Rev. Mr. Freeman - - ----- - g25 00 

The Rev. Mr. Hooker - -- -- -- 53 55 

The Rev. Mr. Starr - - - - - - - 50 00 

The Rev. Mr. Arnold - - 50 00 



making in all the sum of S17S 55; — that there remains, 
therefore, disposable for further purposes, the sum of 8683 84. 

In regard to future appropriations, the Trustees recom- 
mend that there be paid by the Bishop, one tenth of the whole 
sum above named, as the proceeds of the year, to the Trea- 
surer of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society, as 
the ' i Offerings of the Church," in the diocese of New Jersey, 
for the general purposes of the Society ; and that the re- 



46 

mainder be appropriated, under the direction of the Bishop, 

to Missionary purposes in the diocese of New Jersey. 
(Signed,) 

Cl,ARKSON DuNX, •) 

George Y. Morehouse, I Trustees. 

Dayton I. Canfiexd. J 



REPORT 

OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE CONVENTION ON THE 
"OFFERINGS OF THE CHURCH." 



In Convention, May, 1834. 

The Committee on the " Offerings of the Church," made 
the following Report ; which was accepted, and ordered to 
be entered on the Journal: — 

The Committee on the "Offerings of the Church," report, that al- 
though there has been afforded evidence of the beneficial results of the 
plan proposed last year by the Bishop, it does not appear to have been 
fully and effectually carried into operation. It is therefore recommend- 
ed that the Clergy, immediately after the rising of the Convention, take 
measures to bring the subject prominently before their respective con- 
gregations; and that for this purpose they make personal application to 
each individual of their respective cures, for a subscription on this plan; 
that the subscriptions be collected in the manner proposed in the late 
Pastoral Letter of the Bishop ; and that they take effect from the date of 
the rising of the Convention, 

For the Committee, 

HENRY M, MASON, Chairman, 



O LORD, WHO HAST TAUGHT US THAT ALL OUR DOINGS WITH- 
OUT CHARITY ARE NOTHING WORTH; SEND THY HoLY GHOST, AND 
POUR INTO OUR HEARTS THAT MOST EXCELLENT GIFT OF CHARITY, 
THE VERY BOND OF PEACE, AND OF ALL VIRTUES ; WITHOUT WHICH, 
WHOSOEVER LIVETH IS COUNTED DEAD BEFORE THEE: GRANT THIS 
FOR THINE ONLY SON JESUS CHRIST'S SAKE. AMEN. 



"It is more blessed to give than to receive." 



,hK^. RY of congress 



021 897 804 6 



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